With so many skincare products out there, it can be really confusing to know which order you should use them in. It’s a question I get asked a lot about when creating a daily skin care routine.
Does it make a difference if you use them in the ‘wrong’ order? Yes it can; it is the efficacy of the products that will be affected more than anything. For example, oils have bigger molecule sizes and generally work on the surface or very upper layers of skin; if you put an oil on first and then use a water based serum, the oil will act like a barrier and stop the serum going in. The actives in a serum need to go further into the skin to work their magic so are best used first, on a ‘naked’ skin.
It could potentially cause congestion and irritation as well if there is a build up of excess product on the surface of the skin
So in what order should you be doing it? Here are some ideas for a daily skin care routine.
Daily Skin Care Routine
1. CLEANSE
AM – Just a very gentle cleanse in the morning if your skin needs it. For example if you’re oily or have done an overnight mask. I often just do a splash of water as I find too much cleansing can dehydrate my skin.
PM – Double cleanse. For the 1st cleanse use an oil or balm cleanser to dissolve daily grime, makeup, spf etc. For the 2nd cleanse use a wash off cleanser to ensure the skin is really clean but without stripping – there should be no ‘tightness’ or squeaky clean feeling – just fresh and comfortable.
If you’ve been working from home, haven’t worn makeup etc then a single cleanse is fine. I do it differently each night, depending on what I’ve been doing.
2. EXFOLIATE
Once or twice a week depending on you skin – if you’re very sensitive or have a compromised barrier then even once a fortnight. Using an acid based product can sometimes be gentler than a ‘scrub’. Think of these as little pac men (or women!) that gently munch away at what we don’t need and leave the skin feeling fresher and more radiant. A deeper dive into exfoliation here..
3. HYDRATE
AM/PM Use a facial mist or essence (similar to a toner but often with more properties) – I like to use one with a Hyaluronic acid. You can also add a hyaluronic serum for extra hydration – apply while the skin is damp and gently tap into the skin. Think of these as a drink for your skin.
4. SERUM
AM/PM A serum is a concentrated treatment for your skin, packed full of active ingredients to help target specific skin concerns. Serums tend to be water based and lightweight in texture; they have a small molecule size so will penetrate deeper into the skin, taking all the active ingredients with them. Think of these as a vitamin shot for your skin. Apply once your toner or mist as settled into the skin.
You can alternate between a couple of serums depending on your skin concerns. For example one in the morning and one in the evening. You can also alternate the day – for example I use a Vitamin A serum 3 nights a week and the rest a HA serum. Choose according to what you need – this might change seasonally.
5. MOISTURISE
AM/PM Use a moisturiser to hydrate and nourish skin. It can help improve skin barrier function and maintain the skin’s integrity and appearance.
6. FACIAL OILS
Think of these as food for your skin, they are brilliant for repair and adding a glow. Use PM with a massage or mix a drop into your moisturiser in the morning. The molecule size of an oil is bigger than that of most serums so these work on the outer layers of your skin; great for boosting your natural protective barrier. I’ll often use an oil over a moisturiser – especially in the winter, let the moisturiser settle in first. Sometimes I’ll add the oil an hour or so later.
Some tips here on how to choose the right one for your skin..
7. SPF
Use AM every day as the last step in your daily skin care routine. If you are applying foundation or any other makeup, the sun protection always goes between skincare and foundation, just give the spf a few minutes to sink into the skin beforehand.
Layering your products is key
Layering different products will help the skin get all the different things it needs. The lightweight serums will work on the deeper layers and the creams and oils more on the outer layers. This is more than often more effective than just one thick cream to try and ‘tackle’ everything.
Always start with your lighter water-based products first and finish with your thicker creams and oils; these ‘lock’ everything in and help form a protective layer. Leave some time between each layer to give everything a chance to do its job.
What do you use in your daily skin care routine? I’d love to know in the comments below.
Any questions please do shout. I offer a Simply Skin Consultation if you’d like some help with your daily skin care routine – we can work out the best routine for you and your skin. This can be done at my studio in Bromley, SE London but also online too. Would love to chat with you!
